Rhine Route
Overview
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Distance 25 km
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Ascent 160 m
Intro
Cycle where the ancient Romans lived and enjoyed their games: Augusta Raurica with its silver treasure. The agglomeration is already pulsating, the asphalt sweating, commuters groaning; Basel beckons with hustle, bustle and cultural attractions.
Description
The Rhine separates the Swiss from the German Rheinfelden. Both are known for their wide variety of nationalities. Rheinfelden in Switzerland is a modern resort these days, and swimming in the saltwater of the “sole uno” wellness world is popular far and wide. A visit to Switzerland’s largest brewery is also very popular, although Feldschlösschen is now part of the Carlsberg Group. The castle, which looks quite large, is hard to miss. It is located on the left of the bike path. In the early 90s the storks have resettled in Kaiseraugst. Their clattering can be heard throughout the village and on the local campground. Near the Augst-Wyhlen hydroelectric power plant is the Ergolz-Mündung nature preserve. With a bit of luck, you might spot a dipper or even a family of beavers there.
Close to the bike path you‘ll see the well preserved Roman settlement of Augusta Raurica. Founded in 44 B.C. by Munatius Plancus, it grew into a city with a population of about 30,000 by the 3rd century A.D. Nowadays, there are a silver treasure, an amphitheatre, temples, thermal baths and many ruins to see. If you keep your eyes peeled later, on the way through Pratteln and Muttenz, you will detect many other gems, mostly in the form of beautiful, old buildings. Past small garden allotments you get to “Park im Grünen”, the training facility for the soccer players of the famous FC Basel.
Traffic around the St. Jakob soccer stadium is usually busy, even very busy once you approach Birschöpfli, where the Birs joins the Rhine. Not that the bike riders are concerned: they leisurely cruise along the Rhine through the St. Alban neighbourhood, which has preserved its suburban character.
The riverbank at Kleinbasel teems with activity during the summer. The “Rhyschwimme” section begins further upriver, close to Museum Tinguely, and ends just before the Dreirosenbrücke bridge. There are plenty of places to hop on and hop off between the two, including pebbled banks, peaceful grassy areas, and little bars and restaurants. On the other side of the river stands the imposing Basel Minster, its red sandstone and colourful roof tiles defining the city skyline.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Rheinfelden
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Basel
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| Ascent |
160 m
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| Descent |
180 m
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| Distance |
25 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
24 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
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| Theme |
Along Water
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Quick Facts
Route number
